the mother of the believers: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) during his illness prayed at his house while sitting whereas some people prayed behind him standing. The Prophet (ﷺ) beckoned them to sit down. On completion of the prayer, he said, 'The Imam is to be followed: bow when he bows, raise up your heads (stand erect) when he raises his head and when he says, 'Sami`a l-lahu liman hamidah' (Allah heard those who sent praises to Him) say then 'Rabbana wa laka l-hamd' (O our Lord! All the praises are for You), and if he prays sitting then pray sitting."
Hadith Text
Narrated 'Aisha: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) during his illness prayed at his house while sitting whereas some people prayed behind him standing. The Prophet (ﷺ) beckoned them to sit down. On completion of the prayer, he said, 'The Imam is to be followed: bow when he bows, raise up your heads (stand erect) when he raises his head and when he says, 'Sami`a l-lahu liman hamidah' (Allah heard those who sent praises to Him) say then 'Rabbana wa laka l-hamd' (O our Lord! All the praises are for You), and if he prays sitting then pray sitting.'
Scholarly Commentary
This hadith establishes the fundamental principle of following the imam in congregational prayer. The Prophet (ﷺ), despite his illness, demonstrated that the congregation must synchronize their movements with the imam, whether standing, bowing, or sitting.
The scholars derive from this that when the imam prays sitting due to legitimate excuse, the congregation must also pray sitting. This ruling applies regardless of the congregation's ability to stand, emphasizing unity in prayer formation.
The specific mention of the tasmi' (Sami' Allahu liman hamidah) and tahmid (Rabbana wa laka-l hamd) demonstrates the precise timing of these responses. The congregation should only say "Rabbana wa laka-l hamd" after the imam has completed saying "Sami' Allahu liman hamidah."
Juridical Rulings
1. The imam's actions are to be followed exactly by the congregation in prayer postures
2. If the imam prays sitting due to illness or other valid reason, the congregation must pray sitting
3. The response "Rabbana wa laka-l hamd" is to be said immediately after hearing the imam say "Sami' Allahu liman hamidah"
4. This ruling applies to all obligatory prayers where congregation is formed
Spiritual Significance
This teaching emphasizes the importance of unity and submission in Islamic worship. By following the imam precisely, Muslims demonstrate collective obedience to Allah's command and maintain the beautiful harmony of congregational prayer.
The Prophet's action during his final illness shows that religious obligations continue according to one's capacity, and that the community should adapt to the circumstances of its leader while maintaining proper form.